Botha proposes that provincial health implement OSD

By Cindy Witten
26 May 2009

Public health practitioners in the province play such a vital role within society, yet they feel undervalued because of their inadequate salaries. Because of this, the Western Cape minister of Health, Theuns Botha has proposed that the provincial Department of Health implement the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD).

The Provincial Health Department says implementation of the said OSD’s would be in line with a directive awaited from the National Minister of the Department of Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi, and in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Act.

In an issued statement Botha is quoted as saying, “It is extremely frustrating that in terms of an agreement reached in the Bargaining Council promises that were made to these health practitioners a year ago have not been implemented to date. The new Western Cape cabinet felt that we had to take tangible steps to assist personnel who are devoted to the cause of caring for the sick.”

The Western Cape, provincial government has offered to implement the OSD and to make interim forward payments, provided that the respective National Departments of Health and Public Service and Administration guarantee the repayment of the money, before the end of the financial year.

“This would assist to more speedily resolve an uncomfortable situation which is affecting staff morale and service delivery,” he said.